The statements from the two European leaders were made upon their arrival in the Canadian city of Kananaskis in the Rocky Mountains, where the 51st G7 Summit is being held, shortly before a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is also present in the small Canadian locality.
“We all need to avoid protectionist measures. This is an important message the G7 must send to world markets,” stated Von der Leyen at a press conference, clearly referring to the United States.
“First and foremost, we must address the deep uncertainty and volatility in the global economy,” insisted the President of the European Commission, pointing out that “today, trade tensions persist, and risks are no longer abstract.”
Von der Leyen’s remarks come at a time when the EU and Washington are negotiating under Trump’s declared ultimatum to impose a 50% tariff on European imports by July 9 if a trade agreement is not reached by then.
The European Union is confident of reaching a preliminary agreement by that date but believes further negotiations on the details will be necessary beyond July 9.
Costa associated the increase in European military spending, one of Trump’s demands, with commercial and economic stability, which has been disrupted by the United States due to its tariff war.
“What we need to discuss with the U.S. is how we can take on greater responsibilities,” explained Costa, adding that “the deterrent importance of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty (which establishes collective defense) must be protected and preserved.”
“Since this is the main issue, we must avoid bringing up other issues that compromise our economic capacity to take on greater responsibilities for our defense. It is not the time to create trade problems because we need to strengthen our economies. We are talking about the world’s most important trade relationship,” stated the President of the European Council.
“We are allies, we are partners, and we are friends with the United States, and among allies, partners, and friends, when problems arise, what needs to be done is talk. And we are here at this crucial moment to talk; not only with the United States but also with other partners,” declared Costa in response to questions posed by news agency EFE.
